Passengers traveling by air in mid-December may have been exposed to measles.
Travelers flying the friendly skies may get to their destinations with an unwelcome holiday gift: the measles. Health officials have confirmed patients with the measles virus traveled through airports in five U.S. cities in the month of December. Airports affected include Chicago O’Hare, Richmond International, Denver International, Austin-Bergstrom, and Los Angeles International airports. Measles is a highly contagious disease and can take up to two weeks before symptoms appear.
You could be at risk of contracting the illness if you traveled through on these days and times:
Austin, TX – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
- United Airlines, gate 29 area and Flight No. 790 – Dec. 17, 2019, noon to 4 p.m.
Chicago, IL – O'Hare International Airport
- Terminal 3 – Dec. 12, 2019, from 3:30–7 p.m.
- Terminal 1 – Dec. 17, 2019, from 4:30–8 p.m.
Denver, CO – Denver International Airport
- Concourse A, train to baggage claim, west baggage claim, and west level 4 passenger pick up areas – Dec.11, 2019, 1:15–5:45 p.m.
Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles International Airport
- Terminal 4 and 5 – Dec. 11, 2019, from 6:50 a.m.–12 p.m.
Richmond, VA – Richmond International Airport
- Dec. 17, 2019, from 9–11:45 p.m.
People with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and parents of children under 12 months should watch for the symptoms of measles. If you suspect you may be infected, contact your doctor to let them know before you come in to prevent the illness from spreading. The first stage of measles begins with a fever of 101 or more, cough, and a runny nose.
If you are planning to travel to a country that is experiencing a measles outbreak, be sure to verify your immunity or get vaccinated at least two weeks before you plan to travel.
